Communication from GGUSD

Protect Your Identity

In today's digital age, where personal information is constantly being collected, shared, and stored online, protecting your identity has become more crucial than ever. With the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and the growing number of data breaches, the risk of identity theft has skyrocketed.

How Thieves Use Stolen Identities

Identity thieves can use your stolen information to do a variety of harmful things, including:

• Opening new credit cards: Thieves can use your personal information to open new credit cards and run up large balances.
• Taking out loans: Thieves can use your personal information to take out loans in your name.
• Committing identity theft: Thieves can use your personal information to commit identity theft, which can damage your credit score and make it difficult to get a loan or a job.
• Filing false tax returns: Thieves can use your personal information to file false tax returns and steal your tax refund.

Tips for Protecting Your Identity

• Monitor your credit reports: Check your credit reports regularly for any unauthorized activity. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian) once a year.
• Use strong passwords: Create strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Be careful what you share online: Be careful about what personal information you share online, especially on social media.
• Use secure Wi-Fi networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities, such as online banking or shopping.  
• Protect your physical mail: Shred any documents that contain personal information, such as credit card statements or utility bills.

Protecting your identity is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive measures. By following the tips outlined, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to identity theft. Remember to monitor your credit reports regularly, use strong and unique passwords, be cautious about sharing personal information online, and protect your physical mail. Additionally, stay informed about the latest identity theft trends and scams to ensure you are equipped to safeguard your personal information.

Want to know if your email is compromised?
Check out haveibeenpwned.com